Mark DeRosa responds to critics after Team USA’s upset loss to Italy
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Team USA manager Mark DeRosa responded to a question about criticism of his management during the World Baseball Classic, following criticism of him in recent days.
“I have an undying passion for this and an undying belief in every player on this roster,” DeRosa said in an in-game interview with Fox Sports during the Team USA vs. Canada game.
“I don’t think it’s A or B. I think it’s all A.”
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DeRosa’s comments come amid scrutiny following Team USA’s surprising 8-6 loss to Italy in pool play; this defeat sparked widespread controversy about the lineup decisions and comments he made before the game regarding the Americans’ standing in the tournament.
WBC Team USA Captain Aaron, New York Yankees Judge and Team USA manager Mark DeRosa speak to the media during a game between the Kansas City Royals and New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on April 14, 2025 in New York, NY. (Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos)
Before the game, DeRosa said he believed Team USA had already clinched a spot in the qualifying round, but that turned out to be false when Italy lost. The miscalculation quickly went viral, prompting criticism from fans and analysts; some questioned the team’s approach to the game and decision-making.
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Despite the backlash, DeRosa insisted the criticisms created misleading narratives about the way he managed the team and his understanding of the tournament format.
Team USA manager Mark DeRosa during the national anthem before the game against Team GB at Daikin Park on March 7, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Gabriella Ricciardi/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
Team USA entered the 2026 World Baseball Classic as one of the favorites for the tournament, with a star-studded roster led by players like Aaron Judge and Kyle Schwarber. It is considered one of the most talented American teams ever assembled for this event.
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U.S. right fielder Aaron Judge returns to the dugout after finishing the ninth inning against Italy at Daikin Park in Houston, Texas, on March 10, 2026. (Thomas Shea/Imagn Images)
But the upset defeat to Italy exposed vulnerabilities and temporarily jeopardized the Americans’ quarterfinal hopes. Team USA ultimately came out of pool play thanks to other results, but failing to win the group puts them in a tougher group going forward.
As the playoffs continue, Team USA will now look to the silent critics on the court and prove that DeRosa’s faith in the roster was justified.
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